Gu Qiu returned to Route 3.
This time, his focus was clear.
Training Ralts.
The wild Pokémon around Route 3 weren't particularly strong. For Frogadier, who had already reached Level 34, defeating them barely provided any meaningful experience.
At this stage, leveling up required something different.
High-level Pokémon.
Or powerful trainers.
Ralts, on the other hand…
Was becoming dangerously enthusiastic.
No matter what Pokémon appeared—
She punched it flying.
Literally.
Thankfully, her control had improved.
Instead of randomly launching enemies into orbit, she now targeted specific strike points. And with Medical Ninjutsu – Mystical Palm, she could quickly heal the wild Pokémon afterward.
No more near-fatal accidents like earlier.
"Eighteen wins in a row."
Gu Qiu crouched down and smiled.
"Well done, Ralts."
"Ralts, ralts~"
Ralts immediately jumped into his arms.
Compared to when they first met—
She had become much more lively.
Of course…
That liveliness was reserved exclusively for Gu Qiu.
Toward others—
She was no longer shy.
But her face remained cold.
Emotionless.
Gu Qiu had tried encouraging her to open up more.
Ralts refused every time.
"Level 17 now."
Gu Qiu checked her status.
"Three more levels."
"And you should evolve into Kirlia."
As they exited the forest path, the towering silhouette of Mt. Moon appeared ahead.
But something else caught his attention.
"There seems to be some kind of event."
Curious, Gu Qiu walked forward while holding Ralts.
Soon—
A loudspeaker announcement echoed across the plaza.
"Welcome, trainers!"
"Tonight at Mt. Moon Plaza, we will host the Mt. Moon Arena Tournament!"
"Under the hazy moonlight, enjoy the beauty of Mt. Moon alongside our beloved Clefairy!"
"Successfully defend the arena and win a mysterious grand prize!"
"Registration is now open!"
"A Mt. Moon arena tournament?"
Gu Qiu's interest immediately rose.
He loved arena formats.
There was no need to search for opponents.
If you could hold the stage—
Challengers would come endlessly.
The perfect method for grinding experience.
Of course—
You needed the strength to stay standing.
Otherwise, you'd be eliminated immediately.
The reward list was displayed nearby.
1 successful defense → Commemorative prize
• 3 wins → One Mid-Grade Attribute Crystal (any type)
• 5 wins → Additional rewards
• 20 consecutive wins → 2,000,000 Poké-dollars + Mysterious Clefairy Gift
Gu Qiu's eyes brightened.
Two million.
If he won—
His total assets would exceed three million Poké-dollars.
That could sustain training expenses for quite some time.
As for the Clefairy gift…
No one seemed to know what it was.
After a quick search, Gu Qiu learned this was already the 11th annual Mt. Moon Arena Tournament.
It had built a solid reputation.
Capable trainers from many regions came every year.
The event would begin at 6 PM.
Battles would continue until a final champion emerged.
Battle rules:
One Pokémon per match.
The money was attractive.
But Gu Qiu's real goal was simple.
Experience.
"Signing up."
He presented his trainer ID.
Age: under 24.
Eligible.
Registration complete.
There were still two hours before the tournament began.
Perfect timing.
Ralts needed some rest.
After all—
She was the Pokémon he had registered.
Her own choice.
—
Evening arrived.
A gentle May breeze swept through the plaza.
Under the twilight sky, Mt. Moon Plaza slowly dimmed.
The arena stood proudly at the center.
Around it—
Several cheerful Clefairy bustled about, welcoming guests.
After all—
They were the true masters of Mt. Moon.
Gu Qiu stood near a refreshment stand.
Ralts rested comfortably in his arms.
He held a non-alcoholic drink.
Ralts had the same drink.
Though earlier—
She had mischievously tried sneaking sips from his cup.
"Handsome guy."
"Here alone?"
A smooth voice spoke behind him.
Gu Qiu turned.
"…Elesa?"
He blinked.
Tall.
Elegant.
Wearing sleek mechanical headphones.
She was instantly recognizable.
Elesa.
The Gym Leader of Nimbasa City in the Unova Region.
Also a world-famous fashion model.
"You know me?"
She raised an eyebrow playfully.
"How could I not recognize Nimbasa Gym Leader Elesa?"
Gu Qiu replied casually.
"Oh?"
Her smile widened.
"So you really do know me."
"May I sit?"
Gu Qiu shrugged.
"No reason to refuse."
Elesa sat beside him gracefully.
Then she added with a playful glint in her eyes—
"I know you too."
"I figured."
Gu Qiu sipped his drink calmly.
"Otherwise someone of your status wouldn't randomly strike up a conversation."
"Even if I am handsome."
Elesa covered her mouth and laughed.
Her posture shifted slightly as she did.
"You're interesting."
"Originally, I planned to decline tonight's invitation."
"But after hearing about you…"
"I wondered whether you'd participate."
She leaned slightly closer.
"I gambled."
"And it seems I was right."
She behaved far too naturally for someone who had just met him.
"The arena starts soon."
Elesa stood up gracefully.
"I hope you achieve twenty consecutive wins."
Her smile deepened.
"The surprise will amaze you."
She paused briefly before leaving.
"Oh—and by the way."
"There are several people here tonight who are very interested in you."
With that cryptic warning—
She walked away.
Gu Qiu rubbed his nose.
Looks like he had become something like monk meat.
Everyone wanted a bite.
Still—
Elesa seemed friendly.
Probably extending some goodwill.
At that moment—
The system notification suddenly appeared.
[Ding!]
Detecting Host about to enter Arena Challenge.
Mission Triggered!
Objective:
Achieve 20 consecutive wins in the Mt. Moon Arena Tournament.
Reward:
• Chakra ×5000
• High-Grade Psychic Crystal Box ×1
• 100,000 Dragon Coins
Gu Qiu's eyes gleamed.
"Twenty wins?"
He looked down at Ralts.
"Ready?"
"Ralts!"
Her eyes shone with determination.
Above them—
The moon slowly rose over Mt. Moon.
The arena lights ignited.
And the battles—
Were about to begin.
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